"Welcome! I am Blanche Smithers, President of Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 127 in Cookeville, Tennessee. On behalf of all our members I would personally like to invite you to come and join us in the most supportive, caring, and sharing group in the Upper Cumberlands for heart patients and their familes.

Why can we say this? Because most of our members have likely experienced the same general type of heart trauma that you have undergone, or surgery that you may be considering. No one, other than someone who has 'been there, done that,' can as completely relate to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and other changes that are occurring in your life . . . nor as completely share with you that the doubts and fears you may be having are normal and should be expected. Heart patients and families gain hope by meeting our members who listen to their concerns, relieve their anxieties, share their own experiences, and serve as living proof that you can be a healthy survivor of heart disease.

Administrators and professional cardiac staff at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) consider 'Mended Hearts,' an integral part of their support network for heart patients.

As you browse through this section, you will not only learn about our parent national organization, Mended Hearts, Inc., but more specifically about our local chapter, its members, activities, programs, and the information and educational resources that are available to you.

I want you to know that you can live a fulfilling, productive, and happy life after heart surgery. Through our visiting programs, support group meetings, and educational forums provided by our all-volunteer members, you can not only regain control of your life, but learn how you can provide support to others.

I sincerely hope that Mended Hearts can be of help to you -- in a personal rather than a technical or medical way -- and that in time you too may be drawn to 'give back,' share your experiences with others, and JOIN US in mending hearts."

Please click through our sections below.

About Mended Hearts

Mended Hearts, Incorporated - National Organization

The Mended Hearts, Inc. was founded in 1951 by four patients who had recently undergone heart surgery in a Boston hospital in 1950. The two men and two women related their experiences with each other, their new feelings of wellness, their expressed hopes for the future, and the "second chance" in life offered with their newly "mended hearts." They felt a need to "give back" . . . to share their experiences and to give supportive encouragement to other heart patients and their families.

They were assisted in this effort by noted cardiologist and pioneer heart surgeon, Dr. Dwight E. Harken, considered by many to be the "Father of Mended Hearts."

As patient numbers grew and other cities organized similar groups, Mended Hearts incorporated in 1955. A constitution and bylaws were adopted.

After two decades of life-saving treatment progress and the formation of many new chapters, Mended Hearts, Inc. relocated in 1979 from Boston to the American Heart Association (AHA) national office in Dallas, Texas. By the 1980's, the organization was firmly established and growing rapidly with chapters throughout the nation. In 1993, Mended Hearts, Inc. became officially affiliated with the AHA. In June, 2011 Mended Hearts, Inc. announced a multi-year cooperative agreement with the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The ACC is a 39,000-member non-profit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and practive managers and which bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who must meet stringent qualifications.

"Patient-centered care has long been a focus of the American College of Cardiology as we strive to deliver the best outcomes and quality of care, and we hope to make the most of the synergy between our two organizations," said David Holmes, MD, FACC, President of the ACC.

After a half century of patient support, Mended Hearts, with more than 24,000 members operates mainly through 300 community-based chapters across the United States, with two in Canada. Chapters partner with more than 460 hospitals and cardiac care facilities in providing patient-to-patient support services.

Slogan of Mended Hearts, Inc.

"It's great to be alive - and to help others."

Annually, Mended Hearts trained and accredited volunteers make about 227,000 hospital visits to patients and 30,000 visits to family members and caregivers--reaching 160,000 patients/households. About 8,300 people gained support last year by connecting with a Mended Hearts volunteer through its Internet Visiting Program and Toll-Free Helpline.

Recognizing that heart patients are of all ages, two new programs were launched in 2004. Mended Little Hearts provides support and encouragement to parents of children born with congenital heart defects or who have heart disease. Hopeful Young Hearts is targeted to heart patients ages 25-50.

To learn about your nearest Mended Hearts chapter, log on at www.mendedhearts.org. Additionally, Mended Hearts can be reached on weekdays at 1-888-HEART99.

Meetings

Regular Monthly Meetings

Chapter 127 meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Education Rooms 2, 3 and 4 (East Entrance) of the Cookeville Regional Medical Center at 1 Medical Center Boulevard where members and heart patients and families support one another.

Meetings are very informal (no suits and ties are necessary in this crowd) and begin with a pot-luck dinner. This is followed by a scheduled program or speaker. Indicative of the close relationship Chapter 127 has with the local medical community, various CRMC and other health care professionals will often provide valuable information on new procedures, medicines, and technologies. A short business meeting normally follows which updates everyone on chapter activities, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Meetings are not just open to former heart patients, but are open to everyone, including spouses and friends who perhaps have already been supportive during the most critical times and to others who simply wish to become personally involved in the mission of Mended Hearts.

We have fun, we share, we smile, we laugh, we listen, we show compassion, we encourage . . . because, individually and as a group, we no longer take life for granted.

Programs

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program/Mannequins

One of the most successful Chapter 127 programs is that of raising funds through chapter activities and events to provide automated external defibrillators (AED's) and mannequins throughout the Cookeville, Putnam County, and Upper Cumberland area. Mended Hearts Chapter 127 has purchased and distributed over 300 mannequins in Putnam and surrounding county schools. Mannequins are used to teach all high school students how to perform CPR and use an AED.

CARDIAC ARREST TREATMENT

Annually, nearly 1/4 million Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest. What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms appear. Quick action is essential in treating cardiac arrests because they may cause brain and heart damage. For each minute following a cardiac arrest, the probability of survival decreases about 7 percent. After 10 minutes, resuscitation is doubtful. This means immediate treatment is needed to restart the heart in order to survive. The best treatment for restarting the heart is defibrillation, a series of electrical shocks applied to the heart.

WHAT IS AN AED?

An automated external defibrillator, or AED is an automated, computerized medical device that is capable of checking a person's heart rhythm and, when necessary, providing an appropriate electrical shock that may "reset" the heart to an acceptable, normal rhythm.

It has been proven that if a person has some form of heart attack where an AED and a knowledgeable person is available to administer a mild shock to re-establish a normal heart rhythm and circulation, that chances of survival are increased significantly (up to 80%).

AED's are very accurate and easy to use and they can advise a rescuer or trained person when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages to advise what steps to take and when.

Funding for purchase of the AED's is accomplished through Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 127 fund-raising events such as "silent auctions" and bake sales as well as through private donations. In some cases, AED's are provided through a cost-sharing program with recipient organizations in order to permit more AED's to be placed throughout the community. Additionally, several businesses and organizations in the Cookeville area fully support the AED program and provide grants to assist in their purchase.

Activities

Silent Auction

In support of Chapter 127 programs, a "Silent Auction" is held annually in Education Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4 (East Entrance) in the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Chapter members solicit local individuals, businesses, and organizations for items that are to be donated for the auction.

Local merchants have been extremely supportive of the local chapter of Mended Hearts and are familiar with the many exceptional programs they offer.

Items are available for viewing and bidding throughout the day. The highest bidder is notified of their successful bid.

The major portion of proceeds from the "Silent Auction" goes toward the purchase of AED's for the Cookeville and surrounding area.

Want to help but don't have the time to get fully involved? Support your local chapter through donations.

All of the funds raised by Chapter members from sponsored events or activities go directly toward the purchase of community AED's, supporting the CRMC rehabilitation program, and meeting the objectives of Mended Hearts.

Mended Hearts, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501c(3) non-profit organization. You can be assured that any donations to Chapter 127 are used wisely and effectively.

Donations are made to support Chapter programs not only by individuals, but also by local civic organizations, churches and businesses.

Families of cardiac patients who have received hope, encouragement, and other support during their surgery or recovery may make donations.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers. Provide a return address and Mended Hearts will mail an acknowledgment and "thank you" card.

Any donations may also be made anonymously.

All donations are appreciated and can be earmarked for any purpose.

Donations can be sent to the Chapter 127 Treasurer at the following address: